Here’s where you can ring in this Lunar New Year in traditional, and not-so-conventional, ways in the Bay Area.
SF’s Chinatown New Year Parade
Check out the stunning floats, elaborate costumes, exploding firecrackers and the newly crowned Miss Chinatown U.S.A. at this annual parade through downtown SF. Don't miss the 268-foot Golden Dragon—also known as the Gum Lung—which requires over 100 men and women from the martial arts group White Crane to carry it through the streets of Chinatown.
February 24th at 6pm; 2nd at Market Sts, San Francisco; free
OMCA Lunar New Year Celebration
The Oakland Museum is hosting their 17th annual Lunar New Year celebration, a fortune-filled and family-friendly event to welcome in the Year of the Dog. Enjoy live performances and an array of Asian traditions including arts, crafts, food and demonstrations.
February 25th at noon; 1000 Oak Street, Oakland; $15
Silicon Valley’s Chinese New Year Celebration
The South Bay’s Chinese New Year bash asks you to bring your own dish for the communal Asian-inspired potluck at 7pm. And take full advantage of the arts and crafts classes and origami sessions in the evening.
February 25th at 5pm; 1172 Castro St, Mountain View; free
2018 Chinese New Year Community Street Fair
The Chinatown Community Street Fair offers an opportunity to experience Chinese cultural arts like folk dancing, traditional Eastern opera and drumming. Grab an IG-worthy upload with the giant puppets, dragon and other memorable artifacts on display at the street fair!
February 24–25 at 10am; Grant Ave between Clay and Broadway, San Francisco; free
Free Admission at the San Francisco Zoo
Get into the San Francisco Zoo for free if you were born in the Year of the Dog—those born in 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 and 2018 will receive free zoo admission on Feb 24–25 to enjoy a day of Chinese New Year performances and activities.
February 24th and 25th at 10am; Sloat Blvd & Great Hwy, San Francisco; free admission
Dumpling Down! Chinese New Year Food Festival
Get down with some delicious dumplings (and bottomless kumquat mimosas) at the only Chinese New Year food festival in San Francisco where vendors will be slinging, frying and steaming endless kinds of dumplings to satiate even the most ravenous of palates.
February 25th at 11am; 428 11th St, San Francisco; $23